The Gauteng Department of Health (GDoH) has reiterated that it has no intention, whatsoever, to compel girls 12-years and above to receive to receive contraceptives without their consent. 
The department provided this clarity following an ensuing public debate in the past week in relation to its efforts to effectively tackle the social problem of teenage pregnancy.
During her visit to schools as part of the Back-to-School campaign, Gauteng MEC for Health and Wellness, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, emphasised the importance of sexual reproductive health education and the role of parental involvement in discussions about the overall health of their children.
MEC Nkomo-Ralehoko highlighted that, just as parents provide consent for immunisation and other health services through the Integrated School Health Programme, they should also be aware of available sexual and reproductive health and rights services, such as a range of contraceptive mix methods, STI prevention, screening and management which are accessible to their young ones. These services include subdermal implants, a long-acting contraceptive, alongside other methods such as condom use and abstinence. 
Recognising that teenage pregnancy remains a pressing societal challenge, MEC Nkomo-Ralehoko has championed the development of the Teenage Pregnancy Prevention Intervention Plan which was launched by the GDoH on 30 April 2024. 
The plan focuses on three key areas; advocacy and social mobilisation, behaviour change communication, and targeted programmatic interventions. It embodies government's commitment to a comprehensive approach and recognises that teenage pregnancy requires a proactive response to deal with the social determinants that contribute to the high rates of teenage pregnancy in communities such as economic inequality, limited access to sexual and reproductive health services and societal stigma amongst others. 
The multi-sectoral plan also recognises the importance of young people delaying early sexual debut and focuses on capacitating them to exercise their agency. It highlights the shared responsibility of parents, guardians, educators, and the broader community in shaping the positive values that young people can embrace, which in turn can influence the choices they make. Furthermore, it underscores the value of a collaborative approach to tackle the evil of statutory rape, and to ensure that harmful gender norms are dismantled. 
The GDoH led by MEC Nkomo-Ralehoko remains committed to mobilising sectors of society and other government agencies to ensure that issue of teenage pregnancy is addressed, and young people are empowerment with knowledge and access to appropriate health services while upholding their rights and dignity.